Author's Note: Hey everyone! So, this chapter might just be one of the most important ones in the entire story. We're going to be learning a lot about the D's, history, and Luffy's past. My original plan was to fit it all into one chapter but...yeah...I'm definitely going to be splitting it into two. Consider this chapter 'Part 1' and the next one 'Part 2'. We are also going to be jumping between Sabo (and his gang in the secret room) and Luffy (shifting POV's). There's going to be a lot of information (and real history mentions) so let me know if you have any questions. Anyway, enough of my rambling, ON TO THE CHAPTER!
To BlueHeartNina: Aw, I'm so glad you liked it!
To sui: You're very welcome :) *gives Luffy a big hug for you*
To too addicted to fiction: Lol Kidd is totally jumping on the 'protect Luffy' train (people can't help but love him XD) I'm glad you're enjoying the mythology! Lots more of that to come in this chapter. *blushes* Aw, you're too kind. I've been told I'm a pretty creative person XD Thank you so much for the sweet review and I hope you enjoy the update!
To Guest: Here's an update for ya!
To fluffypuppies: Hey there! I'm so glad you're back (was kinda worried about you lol). Hope everything's going well in your life :) Aw, thanks! I'm definitely proud of this story, it's so much fun to write and is coming out well! Ace and Sabo can't help but compete over little Lu lol, he's just too cute. Oh no, don't die from fluff overdose! Then you won't be able to read anymore XD Thanks for the awesome review and I'll see you next time!
To Kitsune Foxfire: I'm so glad you're enjoying it!
WARNINGS:
- Past child abuse
- Mental breakdown
- Death/murder
- Blood/violence
- Trauma
Sabo hadn't known what to expect of the 'secret room' but it was certainly just as organized as he'd imagined. Though relatively small in size, the walls were lined with books, recordings, and maps, some in good condition…some falling apart at the seams. The air was chilly, no doubt an attempt to keep the ancient materials preserved.
"Where do we even start?" Kidd asked, breaking the silence. Beside him, Killer looked around, likely contemplating the same question. Sabo hummed, scanning the shelves for any sort of organizational system they could use to narrow their search.
As he walked further into the room, he was drawn towards the only piece of furniture in the room: an old desk. It was fairly large, indicating its user was tall. Sabo ran a hand over the intricate designs carved into it, amazed something so obviously old had survived for so long.
Curious to see if it held any secrets, Sabo opened the main drawer (with a bit of difficulty), revealing a book. It was covered in a preservative film but looked to be just what they were looking for…if the name on the front was any indication.
Edward Newgate.
"Over here." Sabo called, summoning Kidd and Killer to his side. He gently placed the thick book on the desk so he could open it, doing his best to be as delicate with the pages as possible. Even with the film protecting it, he was concerned one jolt would tear the archaic journal apart.
The first thing they saw was written on the inside of the cover in neat print:
Property of Edward Newgate, a Personal Journal.
"Well…shall we?" He questioned in a quiet voice, earning a nod from his companions. It was time they learned what the council so desperately wanted to hide.
Luffy woke slowly, his body taking a while to catch up to his brain. A few minutes later, he groaned, head pounding as his vision cleared. Recognizing the room, he determined that someone had returned him to his room after…what happened.
"Luffy, you're awake!" A voice chirped while something squeezed his remaining hand. He turned his head slightly and was met with the familiar face of Ace, a tired smile appearing on his lips. "Thank God…I was so worried."
The boy swallowed to wet his dry throat and instinctively tightened his grip on his brother's hand as recollection of his attack returned to him. The pureblood Lord, Kidd apparently, had said things to him that brought back memories of his time as a prisoner.
"C-Could you help me sit up?" Luffy asked, prompting a swift nod from Ace. The vampire supported him as he moved so his body was comfortably leaning against the headboard. A quick glance towards the barred door revealed the eyes of one of his guards who was looking in at him. The vampire then lifted a hand to his ear, definitely letting Torao know that he was awake.
"How's your neck?"
Luffy gently untangled his hand from Ace's so he could touch the bandages that had been applied there.
"It just…aches a little."
The vampire hummed, sadness clear in his eyes.
"Lu…Law told me what happened…that you hurt yourself." The boy flinched at the reminder, gaze lowering in shame, "I know you probably don't want to talk about it, but please…will you help me understand so I can make sure it never happens again?"
Luffy considered Ace's words. His brother was worried about him…and was being sincere (somehow, he just knew).
'I've never told anyone about what happened back then.' He thought, clenching his left fist around the soft blanket that covered him. It was painful to even think about. 'But maybe it'll do me some good to talk to someone about it…'
He didn't want to keep having attacks.
He wanted to overcome his fear.
Inhaling deeply, Luffy replied with an almost inaudible,
"…okay."
August - 1750
The day has finally come for me to set off on my own. Though my mentors mean well, I have long since learned how to feed and hunt. The nobility still scorn my existence, but that is of no consequence. Pureblood or turned, it doesn't matter. We all live together on this Earth and I intend to achieve my dream…
The first entry in the journal was dated '1750' which took Sabo aback. To think Whitebeard had been alive back then…there weren't many vampires still active that had been born during that time (of the purebloods, anyway).
"What's this 'dream' he mentions?" Kidd put in, leaning over the journal with a frown.
"I don't know…give me some space so we can keep going."
November – 1750
Humans are an intriguing species…very loyal. Though they often fight over petty things. I hope to welcome some into my family soon. - says they are stupid creatures, but I disagree. Thanks to their vitality, our own race has survived for this long.
Sabo scanned the next few pages, intrigued by the history displayed on them. Back then the humans were completely unaware of the existence of vampires and it was strictly forbidden to reveal yourself to one. Feedings were done stealthily and always ended with the human pleasantly confused (or unconscious) so they wouldn't understand what happened to them.
January – 1850
My dream is coming along wonderfully! There are so many outcasts in this world…and now they have a place to call home. My family grows every day and I couldn't be happier! However, there are rumors of killings occurring all over the world, definitely done by vampires. Why have they become so greedy and violent?
The nobles all assume the turned and vice versa. Well, whoever they are, they risk overturning the peace and secrecy we have worked so hard to achieve.
"He dreamed…of having a family." Killer said, interpreting the words on the page. Kidd snorted.
"Okay, not what I expected."
Sabo, for his part, focused his attention on the killings mentioned. Somehow, he knew that would be an important aspect of the story.
March – 1852
It is getting out of hand. So many humans are dying for what? Amusement? Don't they realize they are culling the only species that allows for our survival? The elders have called a meeting (to which I have been invited, thanks to my influence) to discuss a solution.
April – 1852
To think, we have taken so long to realize that our power requires checks and balances. It has been decided that there needs to be something to keep us accountable, and I agree. The old laws simply aren't good enough and need to be updated for the humans' safety. I am told that Dr. Vega- may have a solution.
"Hey, why are some of these names blurred?" Kidd complained, squinting in an attempt to understand the word.
"Perhaps the pages have thinned."
"…looks intentional to me."
Sabo ignored his companions' conversation and focused on trying to understand the culture of the time. He'd never heard of any meeting or 'checks and balances' before. The council was always very adamant that vampires shouldn't need to control themselves because they, quite literally, owned the world.
September – 1852
Dr. Vega- has brought us his solution, after taking the summer to 'prepare' it, and I must say, it is ingenious. What better way to protect the humans than to have them protect themselves? Some of the elders are still skeptical, but I believe the vote will be in favor of the doctor's creation.
These…altered humans.
"It…happened when I was seven years old." Luffy began, bottom lip trembling. Ace noticed immediately and scooted closer so he could rub a soothing thumb over the back of his hand. "Mom and Dad were outside doing their daily chores and I was inside, playing."
He swallowed hard, preparing himself.
It was not an easy story to tell.
Seven-year old Luffy giggled softly to himself as he made his teddy bear 'walk'. It was his favorite toy, one his mom made for him when he turned five. Today was a day just like any other…hot and dusty, but Luffy found that he didn't mind it so much. As long as Mom and Dad were with him, it was home.
Thinking of his parents made him reach up to touch the red pendant that hung around his neck. His Dad had explained what it was for in that voice he only ever used when he was being serious.
'Will I really get superpowers when I'm older?' The little boy thought with a tilt of his head. It sounded really cool, but his Dad hadn't seemed too thrilled with the idea. Then again, Mom said that they both had powers, but he'd never seen them before.
With a shrug, Luffy focused back on his teddy bear. He'd probably understand it more when he was older.
Suddenly, he heard some weird noises coming from outside. Curious, Luffy stood to his feet and padded towards their front door, pulling his bear along by its arm. As he got closer, the noises became a bit clearer.
It sounded like his parents and…an animal? Were they being attacked by wolves again?
The little boy trotted over to the window and peeked up, only to freeze, eyes widening in horror. His Dad appeared to be injured and was holding his arm tightly, blood flowing from a deep cut on his upper shoulder. Though it was scary enough to see his strong Dad hurt, the thing that had definitely caused the injury stood a few feet away, claws dripping red.
"Rogue, go!" Dragon hissed from where he stood in front of her.
"No, I won't leave you!"
"Think of, Luffy! Go!"
With that, his mother rushed towards the door, prompting the monster (a vampire, Luffy recognized) to pounce. He tore his fearful gaze away from the window when his Mom rushed inside and latched the door.
"M-Mom…what's going on? Why's Dad-"
"Come here, darling!" Rogue ordered, scooping him up into her arms and causing him to drop his teddy bear. Luffy physically trembled as the noise outside increased in volume. Was Dad going to be okay?
His Mom rushed through the house until she came to their bedroom, a room they all shared together in the back of their small dwelling. Luffy yelped as she moved him to her hip and yanked on one of floor planks up, kicking aside the rug that hid it.
"Listen to me, Lu." The woman managed, voice breaking as she lowered him into the small space carved out in the ground, "I need you to stay here and be very quiet. Can you do that for me, baby?"
"But why…" Luffy whimpered, tears falling down his round cheeks, "Mom I'm scared-"
"I know, I know." Rogue soothed, reaching down to caress his cheek. She flinched when a loud banging sound echoed through their house. "Oh baby…your father and I love you so much. You know that right?"
Luffy nodded, sniffling.
His Mom smiled sweetly at him before closing the plank over his head, leaving him in darkness. He heard her rush out of the room just as yet another crash shook the foundation, causing some dust to fall onto Luffy's head.
The little boy did his best to stay quiet, just like Mom said, but it was so hard when all he could do was listen to screams and snarls, their home shaking violently. Eventually, everything went silent.
Luffy wiped his eyes and looked up when the sound of heavy footsteps entered the bedroom. Much heavier than his Mom's. Honestly terrified, he covered his mouth in an attempt to mask his breathing, just like Dad taught him.
He jolted when whatever was above him pushed furniture around, snarling in frustration. After a few minutes of searching (and destroying stuff), the monster stepped directly on the plank above Luffy's head, causing it to creak and bend slightly.
The boy inhaled in fright, not daring to move.
When the foot was removed from the plank, Luffy relaxed only to be blinded by light seconds later when the wood was torn away, revealing the smirking face of a vampire, blood dripping from his fangs.
"There you are…my little blood bag."
January – 1865
It's been years since Dr. Vega- introduced his DENALI and the generations are being created very quickly. The science behind it is beyond me but from what I understand, he is somehow able to speed up production of younglings so that they reach adulthood much faster than normal humans. The good doctor claims that it will no longer be necessary once a decent sized fighting force has been collected.
"Okay…I'm lost." Kidd admitted, retreating from the table to run a hand through his hair, "So the D's were never human at all? Just…artificial?"
"Hmmm…give me a moment." Sabo replied, leaving the journal to scan the shelves. Surely there was something in this room that could give them specific information about the D's.
He was pleased to find that the collection was alphabetized so it was easy to go straight to the section he wanted. Sabo ran his right hand along the spines, searching for one that would answer their questions. Just as he was about to give up and move to a different section, a title caught his eye.
The Creation of the Human Race's Guardian Angels.
Sabo wasted no time in grabbing the book, dusting off the cover, and flipping through its fragile pages.
"Did you find something?" Killer asked, leaning over his shoulder. He nodded.
"Yes…I believe I did. Look at this!" Sabo continued, pointing to the pictorial spread at the beginning of the book. It appeared to be a family tree of the D's. Each 'tribe' (as they were called) started in the branches and worked their way down to the roots. There were twelve in total, some ending long before others. "There were so many…"
"Yeah and check out the last date." Kidd put in, pointing at the bottom of the page, "2085."
Sabo swallowed hard, knowing from history what happened that year.
The Fall.
The year the Earth was razed to the ground, killing most of its inhabitants.
Knowing he'd chosen the right material, Sabo turned the page delicately to see exactly what information the ancient book held.
Who are the DENALI?
They are Deeply Essential, Neomorphic, And Lethal Individuals whose creation was endorsed by the vampire Elders in the 19th century. After the murders that took place across the globe (motivation and cause unknown), it was decided that our actions and feedings needed to be policed by beings other than ourselves.
Otherwise, we risked the lives of humans, our only food source.
Circa 1850, a vampire doctor whose knowledge was said to be at least 500 years ahead of his time, introduced a revolutionary idea: what if humans were given means to protect themselves?
After much deliberation, it was agreed that the experiments would proceed, and within a few decades, the Denali, or D tribes were born.
Though the originals were nurtured in a laboratory setting, D's are in fact, fully human. Their DNA was altered with that of our own to give them abilities far beyond that of a normal human. The first few generations' growth was quickened by their creator so that we would not have to wait centuries for their full development.
We educated them on their purpose and eventually they separated from us, no longer requiring our labs to reproduce. True to the doctor's promise, the D's were strong and capable of protecting their fellow humans.
Their blood is completely inedible, making them almost like an entirely new race. The only issue the Elders found with the doctor's work was that it was difficult to predict the abilities the D's would develop.
Some feared they would become too powerful and overthrow us. But, to the humans, they were guardian angels.
Unseen protectors keeping them save from the world of vampires.
"Fascinating…" Sabo muttered, "We created the D's to protect the humans from…well…us. They are genetically altered beings designed to combat our superior strength."
"That is certainly different from what we learned in school," Kidd replied, frown deepening, "and brings up another question…how did we end up fighting a war against them?"
"I'm not sure," He admitted, turning back to the still open journal on the desk, "but I bet we can find out."
"T-Then…well…" Luffy continued in a weak voice, squeezing Ace's hand so hard it was probably going to bruise (but Ace didn't mind, he wanted the boy to know that he was there for him), "He grabbed me and carried me through the house kicking and s-screaming…r-r-right past Mom and then D-Dad's-"
The kid couldn't bring himself to say it which made Ace's heart break and anger soar. What kind of sick bastard murdered a child's parents and then paraded him out to see their mutilated bodies!?
"Where did he take you?" Ace asked when Luffy stopped talking. The boy sniffled and bit the inside of his cheek.
"Underground. I-I think I passed out on the way there cause I don't remember exactly how or when I arrived…but…I woke up in a c-cage."
Luffy woke with a pounding headache and little to not space to move. Heart pounding in his chest, the boy grabbed the bars surrounding him and shook them, unsure how he got there. Upon further inspection, he discovered his body had been shoved into a tiny cage.
The barred metal box was barely big enough for him and forced him to sit in an uncomfortable position.
'W-Where am I?' Luffy thought with a tremble, looking down at the room below. His new prison sat upon a shelf molded out of the walls of the cave(?), one of two, with the other directly across from his. There were all sorts of strange gadgets strewn about, making the scary place look very messy and disorganized. The only sources of light in the room were two dusty light bulbs that hung from the mud ceiling.
Looking to his right, Luffy noted a wooden door, that hopefully led outside.
As he was examining the door, it opened, causing him to yelp in fright. The large vampire that kidnapped him entered and didn't even look up at him, just started messing with some weird stuff on the table. Luffy swallowed hard, wetting his dry throat. This was the monster that…that…
"L-Let me go!" He yelled, mustering up the courage to shake the cage. His voice broke as he shouted, revealing the terror that continued to build up inside him. What did this monster want with him? He'd called him a 'blood bag'-
Luffy whimpered when the vampire snarled up at him, crazed eyes meeting his. Though he said nothing, it was clear that he wanted him to be quiet.
"Y-You…you killed Mom and D-Dad…" He sobbed, tears forming in his eyes as he remembered the vacant gazes of his parents, "…why would you d-do that…I-I HATE YOU!"
At his outburst, the vampire slammed his fist down on the table.
"Blood bags don't talk."
"I'm not a bag!" Luffy shot back, barely able to see through his tears, "Let me out! I don't want to be here!"
The monster apparently disliked his noise and abandoned his work at the table to stalk over to the shelf Luffy's cage was set on. He reached up and slide a key into the padlock, causing the door to swing open.
Before Luffy could celebrate his freedom and make a run for it, the vampire grabbed him by his right foot and carried him upside down out through the wooden door. He struggled, thrashed, and screamed, to no avail. Nothing he did even made the beast flinch.
The next room over was much larger and had a small hole the roof where bits of sand found their way inside. Luffy cried out in pain as he was thrown onto a table, breaking some glass bottles that were in his path.
"Kids…always so noisy." His captor hissed to himself as he cracked his neck ominously. Luffy attempted to crawl away but was stopped by a grimy hand on his neck, pinning his squirming body to the splintering table. "Listen closely, brat, the only reason you're here and not dead like your idiotic parents is that I need your blood. If you want to stay alive, you will do exactly as I say, and be whatever I say you are. Here, in my house, you are my property."
"N-No…" Luffy managed, clawing at the large hand against his throat. The vampire smirked, eyes bloodshot and red as he pulled him closer to his mouth.
"Be a good little slave and maybe you'll live long enough to see me accomplish my goal." He then readjusted his grip so Luffy was held in his arms and his neck was exposed.
Luffy screamed when the monster's fangs sunk into his neck. It felt like two red-hot needles piercing his skin, burning everything as they drained his life force. To make things worse, his captor bit him multiple times, forcing him to feel the pain over and over again.
And then, just as he was on the brink of unconsciousness, the monster laughed, searing that mocking, sadistic voice into his head.
"…how long were you his prisoner?" Ace asked, prompting a shaky exhale from his traumatized little brother.
"It's…h-hard to say…maybe a few months?" Luffy replied, skin pallid and sweating, "After the first week, my thoughts started to blur together and g-get…fuzzy."
'Probably the blood loss.' The freckled vampire hypothesized, once again cursing the bastard who'd done such horrendous and forbidden things to his baby brother.
"I remember he'd drink from me once every few days…sometimes more." Luffy continued, "I-I think he was using my blood to heal himself, or something. He had lots of scars and wounds that oozed constantly."
'Odd…for a vampire to not be able to heal naturally.' Ace mused with a frown, 'Who was this guy?' He'd first assumed a feral, but ferals weren't capable of planning and couldn't form intelligent words.
"Did you ever learn his name?"
Luffy shook his head.
"Did he…" Ace took a breath, knowing this question would probably bring back even more bad memories, "…give you that scar on your chest?"
The boy bit his lip and nodded.
"H-He came back one day from wherever he usually went, really pissed off. I don't know, maybe I s-said something that set him off…but he…" Luffy curled in over his knees, "he heated up a knife and-and-"
"It's okay, Lu, you don't have to say it." The vampire interrupted, hating how small and fragile Luffy looked. Maybe it was time to bring this conversation to a close…Ace didn't want to force his brother to relive the events of the past. "How did you escape?"
The boy wiped his eyes and uncurled slightly.
"I was rescued."
June – 1910
My family and I have settled into our new home. Thanks to our hard work, we have finally secured a permanent homestead with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. I make sure that my sons and daughters dutifully follow the new rules set by the Elders so that we can continue friendly relations with the Denali.
However, some of them are little troublemakers…like Marco, the cheeky little brat. He tries to fight with that D brat, Trafalgar, more often than I'd prefer.
"T-Trafalgar!?" Kidd spluttered, "As in Trafalgar Law!? The doctor is a D too?"
"I suppose it makes sense, in hindsight." Killer said while putting a calming hand on Kidd's shoulder, "They seem very close."
"And now he's a vampire…" Sabo muttered, bringing a hand up to his chin. If their blood was poisonous, how was that possible? He could apply that question to Ace's situation as well.
August – 1914
Though the humans have warred amongst themselves throughout history, this new escalation looks like it's going to be one of the bloodiest. We hope to stay out of the conflict but I cannot help but feel like there must be something we can do…
September – 1914
Marco has decided to join the so called "Allied Powers", undercover of course. He is young, turned less than a decade ago, so he still feels the need to fight for his old people. I will not stop him, if that is what he wants. Hopefully, this war will end soon and bring Marco back to me.
Sabo pulled out a picture stuck between the pages and quietly held it out for the other two to see. It was an old black-and-white photo of Marco in a soldiers uniform that had a white cross sown onto the arm. The vampire hadn't aged a day.
From there, they skipped ahead a little bit, wanting to get to the parts that concerned the vampires, the Denali, and the future. However, it was incredibly interesting to learn of the development of Whitebeard's estate, Marco's participation in both World Wars as a decorated combat medic, etc.
Apparently, when he was still newly turned, he had a love for humans that dulled over time. It was strange to think that he was once human himself.
Sabo stopped flipping when they reached a 1962.
October – 1962
My family, the Elders, and other clans are concerned this 'stand-off' will result in the worst possible outcome: nuclear war. The humans have come far with their technology, as seen in 1945. Should things escalate further…the Elders have decreed that we will intervene, if only to keep the humans from killing themselves.
The Denali have warned us to stay away, that intervening in major human affairs is a breach of our treaty. Hopefully, things will diffuse peacefully.
December – 1965
As humanity turns to space, we keep our attention on the ground. After the 'Cuban Missile Crisis' a few years back, relations have only soured between us and the Denali. They intend to protect the humans from us by any means necessary and we worry that the humans may one day destroy themselves through their desire for 'peace'.
February – 1966
The unthinkable has happened. A group of vampires clashed violently with some D's in a small island village, resulting in the destruction of the settlement and multiple casualties. Eye-witnesses claim the vampires acted like 'rabid animals', which is very concerning and reminiscent of the murders that occurred back in the 50s.
Myself, the Elders, and other high ranking vampires tried to reach out to the Denali leadership, but they lost many soldiers and claim it was an ambush…I fear this may spark a conflict that will not end anytime soon.
"That doesn't sound good."
"No, it doesn't." Sabo replied, bringing a clawed hand up to his chin. The murders Whitebeard continued to mention stuck out in his mind. They sounded almost like vampires gone feral, which could happen in a few different ways:
First, a turning gone wrong. If done incorrectly, the human could effectively lose its mind and succumb to their more primal instincts.
The second usually involved blood poisoning and is a much less permanent issue. If a vampire drank from something (human or animal) that had soured, they could temporarily lose their grip on reality, but the victim returns to their senses eventually.
Sabo didn't think there was any other way to become a feral, but he supposed at this point, anything was possible. Who knows what else the Council was hiding from them…
October – 1966
Very sadly, the Denali have declared war. This occurred after an investigation that concluded we were at fault for the massacre and that our men were in that village, quite literally, killing everyone in their path and preparing to ambush the D patrol. I am sickened at the thought of vampires killing human children for sport, but that is apparently what occurred.
We were able to capture one of the vampires in question but every attempt at interrogation has failed. Dr. Vega- is unsure of the cause of their 'madness' but was able to link the accused to a sect that has been vying for power for years.
Personally, I fear this corruption is more ingrained than we think.
In the days after his kidnapping, Luffy found himself withdrawing into his mind, too terrified of what waited for him in wakefulness. He'd fought hard at first, but all too soon, it became too much.
The constant hunger.
The pain.
The exhaustion.
The walls of his tiny cage closing in on him.
In a sick way, the interactions he had with his captor were the only things keeping him sane. But when he was alone, he'd think about his parents and imagine he was back home, eating delicious food (and definitely not wasting away in a hole in the ground).
It became routine for him to find solace in his thoughts, ignoring all the bad stuff in reality.
That is, until something happened that brought him back from the brink. It happened in the form of large hands gently removing him from his cage, hands he (in his blank stupor) attributed to his captor. Luffy was nestled in the arms of the monster, inwardly steeling himself for the bite that was sure to come.
But instead, a noise 'snapped' right in front of his face, echoing through the underground room. So startled by the unexpected sound, Luffy yelped, his breathes coming quickly as he attempted to escape the grip of the being who held him.
"Back with us, hmmm?" An unfamiliar voice said, making Luffy freeze. That…wasn't what the monster sounded like.
Looking up and focusing his gaze for the first time in many months, the boy examined the face of an unfamiliar man. He was very tall and wore a long black cloak, the lower half of his face covered by a rather fluffy looking scarf.
"Brother, what have you got there?"
"A human child." When the man's companion spoke, he revealed long fangs, making Luffy cry out in terror and thrash, doing everything he could to get away. "Easy, little one…shhh…you don't have to fear us."
Luffy whimpered, not comforted at all by the vampire's words. For all he knew, these guys worked for the monster-man.
He'd learned long ago not to get his hopes up.
"What are you going to do with it?" The red-haired vampire asked, eyeing Luffy with mild interest, "It looks half-dead."
"For now, let's take him with us. Have you found anything else of interest in this place?"
"No…not really, though it does look like something's been living down here."
Luffy tuned out the vampire's conversation at that point, trembling against his new captor's chest. They were going to take him away? Was it going to be somewhere scary? He was once again brought back to reality by a snap, making his tiny body jolt.
"I need you to stay awake, boy." The larger vampire chided before setting him down on a soft pillow-thing. Luffy's head swiveled, trying to understand how he'd gotten to this new, weird place.
It was cool and there was furniture around like they used to have at home. What happened to the bad place? Hadn't they been underground?
"This is the trailer I travel in." The vampire explained while kneeling before him, prompting another flinch, "My name is Katakuri, little one…don't worry, I'm not like whoever was keeping you down there."
"Katakuri?" Ace questioned, thinking the name sounded vaguely familiar. Luffy nodded.
"Mhm. I guess he was passing through and decided to take me out of there." The boy shrugged. "Honestly…I don't really know why."
"What happened next?"
"He kept me with him and his group for a while…fed me, treated my wounds…saved my life." Luffy continued, some color returning to his face, "I remember being so shocked that he didn't want to drink from me. Well, that and it took a while to get used to being…present, again."
"Present?" Ace probed, recalling what Luffy had mentioned in his story about 'withdrawing'. The boy frowned.
"It was so disorienting for me to realize that I had just all but given up on life. I-I was broken…unable to face him head-on." The boy explained, voice shaky with emotion, "That's why I don't want to get like that ever again. I decided I would become a person that would keep getting up over and over, no matter what!"
Ace smiled fondly at his little brother, squeezing his hand. Luffy had been through so much…and he just kept impressing him with his spirit.
With his strength.
"I'm proud of you, Lu." He found himself saying, earning a surprised look, "You're so, so strong."
The kid returned his smile, a slight blush appearing on his face.
"Thanks."
"Anytime."
"No really," The boy insisted, turning so he was facing him, "thanks…for listening."
Ace flashed Luffy a grin and pulled him in for a hug, one the kid actually returned (which made him happier than he ever thought it would).
Sabo stared wide-eyed at the journal on the desk, shocked at what he'd just read. On either side of him, Kidd and Killer looked equally stunned.
They'd skipped ahead a bit, skimming through notations about the war with the Denali. While it was very informative to learn about the different D tribes and which ones attempted to remain neutral (or not), they wanted to see what happened closer to the Fall.
(Kidd did request they look at entries that occurred in 2020, the so-called 'cursed year', to satisfy his own curiosity. Apparently, quite a few members of Whitebeard's clan came down with the virus that plagued the world at that time, but they thankfully didn't have any casualties, attributing it to vampire's healing traits.)
However, the closer they got to the Fall, the worse things seemed to get.
"N-No way…that's impossible!" Kidd hissed, balling up a fist, "That can't be right!"
"…we have no reason to distrust his words."
"I know that, Kil…but…"
Sabo swallowed hard, trying to process the words alongside his companions.
March – 2080
Many disturbing things have come to light. First and foremost, the existence of a sect of vampires who have sworn loyalty to ways of Im, the ancient vampire Lord known as the 'Empty King'. They have worked their way up through the ranks, so that they can have power and influence.
They are the ones responsible for the senseless murder of humans and further agitating the D's (likely hoping to thin our ranks).
Thanks to research Marco has done, we've learned that followers of Im are often given a serum said to have been created from the Empty King's blood, one that gives 'strength beyond the limits of a fleshly vessel'.
In reality, it taps a vampire's instinctive feral nature and turns them into dark entities whose only purpose is to further the will of Im. We fear they intend to raise him from his hibernation, though none of us (and hopefully them) know the location of his resting place.
He was sealed away for a reason…God help us all should he be resurrected.
Even now, my family and I have been forced to barricade ourselves inside our home to avoid invasion. The Elders have been killed and there are very few allies left who are able to help. We have also learned their intention is to dissolve the Elder system and create what they are calling a 'Council'.
Should they succeed…I fear we all may suffer for it. Especially the humans.
Ironically, many of the Denali have offered to help us. After the massacre of the Elders, it seems they have realized we were all being used…puppets in a dark game of our enemies creation.
I can only hope they reach us, and our few remaining allies, in time.